THAT in sign language

How to sign "that" and phrases in American Sign Language (ASL)?

Basics

Definition: used to refer to a person, object, idea, etc. that is separated from the speaker by space or time; used to refer to something that has been mentioned or was involved earlier, or to something that is already known about.

Pronunciation (production): Dominant "Y" (handshape), palm generally down (orientation), in space (location), moves downward (movement).

Grammar: The THAT sign may be inflected with the subject-determiner agreement.

Pronunciation (production): Dominant "Y" (handshape), palm generally down (orientation), moves downward (movement) onto the non-dominant flat-B with palm up (location).

Formal citation; the passive palm in this ASL sign is not frequently used, usually signing THAT without the passive hand. Signing THAT with the passive palm may be used in some circumstances. E.g. "IX-he TOLD ME THAT [emphasis]..." Or, "THAT's WHY".

Basic grammar

In English, two determiners "this" and "that" are used depending on the referents in a sentence, while the determiner in ASL is locative in specific to a referent.

Meaning: that (determiner).

This signed determiner "that" can be a general locative or a locative-specific agreement in a sentence.

The ASL sign/word THAT can be locally inflected in agreement with the subject or object.

Beyond basics

The gloss for this sign is usually noted as "THAT-ONE" or "THAT-IX". A link to the post explaining this usage and complex explanation will be added shortly.

Phrase: THAT!

In Deaf ASL-speaking culture, "THAT!" is often used by fluent and native Deaf signers.

Meaning: That!

It may be used at the end of a sentence or within a paragraph after something is explained or clarified. That!

In other contexts, the plural signword "THAT+++!" is used to convey something like "yes, exactly!", "yes, that's the whole point!", "yes, exactly that!" and such.

Usage/Grammar

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Some word entries have one of some tidbits in this section, such as minimal pairs of sign words, rhymes, etc. usually related to or associated with its word entry.

Written ASL

[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

ASL writing for THAT

ASLwrite (2016) for THAT.

~~ Feeling lucky? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Random word ~~

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Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

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ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.